Prospect: Leonard Fournette, LSU
Comparison: Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers
Leonard Fournette is one of the more talked about prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft. He’s also someone expected to make a major impact as a rookie. Fournette’s combination of size, speed and power make him a dynamic playmaker.
His powerful running style and the break-away potential reminds me of a younger Jonathan Stewart. Injuries have sapped Stewart’s quickness and overall production, but he was an absolute beast early in his career.
Related Story: 2017 NFL Mock Draft
Stewart entered the league with a rare combination of size speed. He teamed with DeAngelo Williams to form a devastating one-two punch for the Carolina Panthers. His career numbers would look much better had he not dealt with so many injury problems.
Fournette’s final season at LSU was plagued with injuries that forced him to miss a few games. The hope is that his health issues won’t carry through to the NFL. This may be the one thing that could force him to slip on draft day.
Despite those injuries most feel he will be selected in the top-half of the 1st round. This early draft billing means he will expected to make an immediate impact. He is likely to see a lot of touches as a rookie and potentially be the focal point of his team’s offense.